One often overlooked element in Marco Bezzecchi’s standout MotoGP season with Aprilia was the strong partnership he formed with test rider Lorenzo Savadori. With teammate and reigning world champion Jorge Martin sidelined by several injuries during pre-season testing, the responsibility for developing the RS-GP bike fell heavily on Bezzecchi’s shoulders.
Prior to this, Bezzecchi had no experience riding a factory-spec bike in MotoGP, let alone leading the development of a full project. His challenge was compounded by Aprilia’s switch in technical directors, with Fabiano Sterracchini replacing Romano Albesiano from HRC.
Despite these hurdles, Bezzecchi embarked on a structured approach to improve the RS-GP, collaborating closely with Sterracchini and Savadori, who took over from Martin. Because Savadori was mostly racing rather than testing, the team depended heavily on detailed communication between the riders during race weekends to guide the bike’s development.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola highlighted the “super compatibility” between Bezzecchi and Savadori, explaining how their constant dialogue helped clarify the bike’s needs, such as improving stability and calming the ride, leading to a shared development direction. This cooperation was crucial in Bezzecchi achieving his best MotoGP season yet, with three Grand Prix victories, three Sprint wins, and finishing third in the World Championship.
Rivola expressed surprise not just by Bezzecchi’s speed but also by his leadership and technical insight from early testing. Bezzecchi’s analytical mindset complemented Sterracchini’s development efforts, and his dedication to the team was evident in how he stayed involved with all aspects from travel to nightly team dinners.
Signs of Bezzecchi’s potential were clear as early as pre-season testing, where he impressed with a strong race simulation. Rivola noted that Bezzecchi’s mindset from the start was confident, believing he could “shock the world.” Importantly, Bezzecchi was patient in adapting to the new bike, smartly adjusting his riding style to maximize the Aprilia’s performance rather than forcing it.
His breakthrough came at Silverstone, where he capitalized on Fabio Quartararo’s technical failure to claim his first win and podium for Aprilia, starting from 10th on the grid. The victory was timely, coming amid uncertainty around Jorge Martin’s contract situation, and it marked a turning point in the season for both Bezzecchi and the team.
Martin eventually decided to stay with Aprilia alongside Bezzecchi for the 2026 season, solidifying the team’s promising future.
Fan Take: This story reveals how crucial teamwork and communication are behind the scenes in MotoGP, beyond just rider speed. For racing fans, Bezzecchi’s rise and the strong Aprilia duo promise exciting competition and technological advancement that could push the sport to new heights.
